You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to benefit from creating your own personal mySocialSecurity account at www.ssa.gov.

Jack Myers with Social Security is highlighting the account and its many advantages once you are receiving benefits from Social Security, however, there are many advantages to creating yours long before that. 

You can also use your account to get personalized estimates of retirement, spouse, or disability benefits. According to Myers, you can review your Social Security Statement and verify that your earnings are being properly reported to Social Security. Then you can get instant proof that you do not receive benefits from Social Security if you need that for any reason. 

If you need a replacement card and have an IL DL or ID (or one from most other states) you can request your replacement card through your mySocialSecurity account without ever visiting an office. Myers explains this is especially helpful if you need to request a replacement card and only have the temporary paper license or ID while you wait for your plastic one to arrive in the mail.

Once you are receiving benefits, your account can be helpful for changing your address (not available online for people who receive SSI benefits). Myers adds you can also change your direct deposit information or get instant verification of your monthly benefit amount.